What New York City Looks Like From 1,250 Feet in the Air

Get a peek inside One World Observatory, which towers more than 1,200 feet above the city at the top of One World Trade Center.

On May 29, One World Observatory opened to the public, offering panoramic views of New York City and beyond from the tippy-top of One World Trade Center. Condé Nast Traveler's editors got a sneak peek of the space; check out our exclusive images of the view, the experience, and more.

One World Observatory is spread out over three floors: On 102, visitors get their first glimpse of the view, more than 1,200 feet above the city. Floor 101 is where you'll find the Observatory's three dining options, including an upscale bar and steakhouse. The 100th floor is the main space, with plenty of room to wander around (and take photos), different exhibits, and an interactive experience called City Pulse that offers recommendations, information about landmarks, and more.

As you're wandering through the Observatory, be sure to look down: directionals on the floor show which part of the city you're looking at.

From the north side of the Observatory, landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building are visible. But the view extends even further, with the George Washington Bridge visible in the distance.

The view to the east encompasses much of Brooklyn (including Brooklyn Bridge Park and the three bridges connecting the borough to Manhattan), as well as parts of Queens and even out to Long Island.

The southern view from the Observatory is filled with iconic landmarks: the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governors Island, and the like. You can see as far as Staten Island and the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, too.

And finally, on the west side of the experience, you'll see New Jersey in the distance, and spots like Battery Park City below.

One of the most exhilarating things (or odd, depending on your perspective) about visiting the Observatory is the feeling of being above the rest of the city—even skyscrapers like the Woolworth Building or 7 World Trade Center seem much smaller when you're standing hundreds of feet above them.

And even though New York City is known for its height, you also get a sense of how squat some parts of the city—such as the Lower East Side, or the outer boroughs—are in comparison to Manhattan's vaunted skyline.

One World Observatory will open on May 29, but timed tickets are available now (and yes, you'll want to buy them in advance). General admission is $32, and there are discounts for seniors, students, and members of the military. There will also be an open house on May 28, with visitors admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.